Abhyanga- an ancient body ritual

Re-balance | Relax | Recharge

Truly blissful, healing experience, not just a typical massage

But what people actually say? Read below.

Now ‘Steam Therapy’ included

When you are having Abhyanga massage at Ayusha, you can now choose to have 10 min steam therapy- Swedana. It comes with massage, but optional at your choice.

The traditional steam chamber at Ayusha is made from medicinal wood.

Steam after massage helps to penetrate the oil deeper, facilitating herbs to move deeper, sooner.

Steam is contraindicated if you have asthama, respiratory conditions or conditions related to blood pressure.

Treatment in brief

 

No need to read further?

 

Abhyanga massage is a revered Ayurvedic tradition that honors the body as a vessel of healing and self-love. A one of the most popular whole-body warm oil massage using specially selected medicated oil to suit your unique constitution, needs and season.

Traditionally, the massage aims to nourish all of the 7 Dhatus (tissues). Ancient texts recommend massaging a body part for 400 matras (ancient time measure) for each Dhatu.

This therapeutic massage is not only a physical experience but also a deeply restorative and soothing journey that aims to promote balance and harmony within the individual. This therapy acts through our largest organ i.e. skin, to achieve revitalization by:

  • Balancing 3 bodily energies that govern our body and mind- Vata, Pitta, Kapha

  • Removing blockages, improving circulation

  • Facilitating elimination of toxins by promoting lymphatic drainage

  • Nourishing deeper tissues, effecting relaxation and pain-relief

The massage follows specific energy pathways and marma points, which are vital energy centers in the body, allowing for the removal of blockages and the promotion of energy flow.

Beyond the physical aspects, Abhyanga massage also nurtures emotional and mental well-being. Carefully curated tranquil environment and caring touch of the practitioner create a safe space for emotional release, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of inner peace. The practice is known to ground and center individuals, fostering a connection between their inner selves and the external world.

Science of Touch (Sparsha)

 

Science of Oleation

 

Nothing is as healing as the human touch- Bobby Fischer.

Sparsha is one of the 5 Tanmatras- i.e. body’s perception mechanisms.

Psychological studies have found that a compassionate, respectful touch brings happiness, peace, and physical health. Such touch is a necessity that is often ignored in our ultra-individualistic culture.

The therapist must have a great deal of clarity and compassion in their heart for the massage to be beneficial to the patient.

Healing effects achieved from Abhyanga massage are partly due to this science of touch.

 

Oleation (applying oil) therapy’s importance is akin to oiling the car engine.

On superficial level, it helps to nourish tissues. At deeper level, it helps to 1) removes ama (toxins) accumulated in the tissues and 2) channelizes aggravated doshas (and ama) from their manifested sites and directs them from external disease pathway into the G.I. track, from where they can be eliminated easily.

 

Benefits

 
  • Provides balancing, revitalization, relaxation and pain relief at the same time.

  • Delays ageing (Jarahari) & Increases longevity (Ayurkari)- Improves elimination of toxins from the body and provides energy, vitality and nourishment to all 7 tissues

  • Restores balance of the body, effecting healing on a physical, emotional and energetic level

  • Stimulates and strengthens the lymphatic system

  • Improves immunity and increase stamina (Pushtikar)

  • Counters fatigue (Shramahari) - Relaxes tired muscles and other tissues

  • Heals and prevents nervous system disorders by calming the nervous system and mind, reducing effects of stress on the body

  • Promotes sleep

  • Promotes hydration, softness and luster of the skin as well as youthfulness

  • Helps heal injuries, specifically the muscle and bone tissues

  • Provides relaxation and rejuvenation of body and mind

  • Enhances blood circulation

  • Activates the body’s Marma points (vital energy points on body surface acting as storage of concentrated life force)

  • Promote flexibility of the muscles, tissues and joints through relaxation

  • Improves digestion and metabolism

  • Enhances positive microbiology in your body (skin is home to massive colonies of microbes)

  • Increases Oxytocin - the loving, bonding and anti-anxiety hormone

  • Increases mental alertness

  • Can bring about catharsis in some cases

For Evidence / Research about Abhyanga, click here.

 

Indications

 

Conditions for which Abhyanga is recommended

  • To maintain general health and wellbeing

  • Stress related conditions

  • Getting body back in balance after illness or surgery

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Generalized weakness

  • Insomnia, lack of concentration

  • Pain and stiffness in the muscles

  • Paralysis

  • Frozen shoulder

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Degenerative changes in body

  • Swelling or edema in the body

  • Rehabilitation of body after injury or surgery

  • Headache

  • Decreased range of motion

Abhyanga is often combined with Marma Therapy for treating a range of conditions.

Preparation

 
  • Please do not eat in 1.5-2 hours prior to appointment,  

  • Have a shower prior to treatment so skin pores open and help to soak the oil.

  • Use washroom prior to the start of the treatment if required.

  • Wear old clothes or bring sarong like wrap-around clothing

  • If you have long hair, it’s good to bring a hair-tie or shower cap.

  • Bring a scarf or hat to wear after your treatment during winter months. Also avoid exposing to wind even in summer for some time after treatment.

  • Also have a old towel or bed sheet covering on the car seat to prevent the oil getting in contact with the car upholstery.

  • Not advised during menstruation period.

 

Treatment Process

 

Different to other massage techniques, this massage is done using warm medicated oil with a combination of long, rhythmic, relaxing and sometimes vigorous strokes to unblock blockages, address stiffness and knots.

The massage begins from the lower body, gradually leading to shoulders and neck, to stimulate the central nervous system and prepare the whole body for the healing experience.

The therapeutic herbs in oil act as nutrient and medicinal agents through the skin, performing its diverse functions efficiently, whether it is allowing toxins to be released from the body or nourishment to be absorbed by the tissues.

After-care

 
  • You can drive home after cup of warm water or herbal tea.

  • It is advised to not to have a shower for at least an hour to gain the full benefits of the massage.

  • As the medicated oil and specific strokes drives the toxins from the deeper connective tissues back to the gastrointestinal tract for proper elimination, is advised to hydrate well with warm water and take some rest after the massage.

  • Avoid long travel and busy shopping centers.

  • Avoid going to beach and extreme weather conditions.

  • Do not lie in the sun with the oil on afterwards.

  • Eat when properly hungry, may be after 30-45 minutes after massage.

  • Take warm shower to rinse the oil off before bed. Avoid hot shower. Do not use heavy soap or shampoo, to get the most out of the massage.

 

Price

 

75-90 min treatment: $225 (includes cost of medicated oil, specific to your constitution)

3 Massages (1 per week): $ 625
5 Massages (1 per week): $ 1050

Add whole body Marma massage for treating pain or specific conditions- $125.

Ayurvedic massage oils cost $60-$100 a liter.
To know why Ayurvedic oils are so expensive, click here.

For weight management, non-invasive sculpting strokes can be incorpoarted.